Massive Old Map of Europe by Visscher, 1677: Triple Alliance, Capital City Views

Step into the 17th century with Nicolaes Visscher II’s "Exacta Totius Europae Tabula", a breathtaking wall map that masterfully captures the political and physical geography of Europe during a pivotal moment in history. Created in 1677, this map commemorates the formation of the Triple Alliance between the Netherlands, Sweden, and England—a short-lived but significant coalition that shaped the balance of power in Europe. Dedicated to King Charles II of England, the map celebrates this diplomatic milestone, underscoring the unity of these nations against common threats and laying the groundwork for future alliances.

Visscher’s artistic brilliance is on full display in this map, which blends cartographic precision with elaborate decorative elements. The map’s central focus is a detailed rendering of Europe, featuring meticulously drawn coastlines, rivers, and mountain ranges. Surrounding the map are vibrant allegorical illustrations, including a portrait of King Charles II, maritime scenes, and symbolic depictions of unity and power. These embellishments elevate the map from a practical tool to a work of art, reflecting the grandeur and aspirations of its time.

The map’s design is a testament to the Visscher family’s reputation for excellence in cartography. Nicolaes Visscher II, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, infused this map with both scientific accuracy and artistic flair. The cartographic projection showcases Europe’s geography with remarkable clarity, while the inclusion of city views and annotations provides a rich historical context. This dual focus on aesthetics and information exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age of cartography, a period when maps were as much about storytelling as they were about navigation.

Beyond its geographical detail, the map serves as a historical document, offering insights into the political dynamics of the late 17th century. The Triple Alliance, formed to counter the expansionist ambitions of France, is a central theme, symbolized through the map’s dedication and allegorical imagery. The alliance’s eventual dissolution and the subsequent Franco-Dutch War highlight the fluidity of European politics, making this map a snapshot of a fleeting yet transformative moment in history.

This map is not merely a depiction of land and sea but a celebration of Europe’s cultural and political landscape. The surrounding illustrations of major cities—such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam—capture the architectural splendor and significance of these urban centers. Ships dotting the oceans and seas evoke the era’s maritime dominance, while the ornate cartouches and banners add a layer of regal elegance. Nicolaes Visscher II’s "Exacta Totius Europae Tabula" is a masterpiece that transcends its cartographic purpose, offering a window into the artistry, history, and diplomacy of a bygone era.

Countries and regions on this map

• Continents:
• Europe (central focus).
• Parts of Asia (western regions).
• Northern Africa (coastal areas).
• Countries and regions:
• England, Scotland, Ireland.
• France, Spain, Portugal.
• The Netherlands, Belgium.
• Germany, Austria, Switzerland.
• Italy and the Italian states.
• Poland, Lithuania.
• Sweden, Norway, Denmark.
• Russia (western parts).
• Ottoman Empire (European territories).
• Hungary, Bohemia.
• Balkan regions.
• Greece and surrounding islands.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset illustrations:
• Depictions of prominent European cities, including their architectural and cultural landmarks.
• Cities such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam are highlighted.
• Bodies of water:
• Major seas and oceans, including the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Baltic Sea.
• Smaller bodies of water, including regional seas and bays.
• Mountain ranges:
• Major European mountain ranges, such as the Alps and Carpathians, are illustrated with stylized relief.
• Decorative elements:
• Allegorical figures and symbols celebrating the Triple Alliance.
• Ornate cartouches and banners, including one with the map’s title.
• Illustrations of ships in the seas, emphasizing maritime activity.
• Historical notes and annotations:
• Text blocks at the bottom of the map provide historical and geographical context.
• Dedication to King Charles II and references to the Triple Alliance.
• Other features:
• Detailed coastlines and rivers.
• Depictions of naval engagements or fleets, reflecting the importance of maritime power.

Historical and design context

• Historical significance:
• Created in 1677 to commemorate the Triple Alliance (1668–1672) between the Netherlands, Sweden, and England.
• Dedicated to King Charles II of England, emphasizing the alliance’s importance to England and its European neighbors.
• The alliance was a precursor to the Grand Alliance, which fought major European wars such as the Nine Years' War (1688–1697) and the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714).
• Themes and topics:
• Political and physical geography of Europe during the 17th century.
• Maritime and coastal regions, reflecting the significance of naval power and trade routes.
• Design and style:
• Lavishly decorated with allegorical and symbolic illustrations.
• Vibrant city views and illustrations of major European urban centers.
• Blends cartographic precision with artistic flair, exemplifying the Dutch Golden Age of cartography.
• Includes a portrait of King Charles II and allegorical imagery symbolizing unity and power.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This is a very large map that must be ordered at a large size, so that you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.